Zen of Tofu

It’s the last long weekend before school starts, and I’m actually interested to see what this next semester holds for me. Since I took a class in Summer school, at least the studying routine won’t seem so foreign to me. This year will be more computer science oriented, but at least my economics classes and my language course should give me a bit more flavour to keep things interesting. More challenges, more adventures, more new topics — they all await.

I do hope the school year goes by fast, and I am looking forward to pushing my educational potential that would ensure my future. Going to university is such a privilege, and I plan to continue to take advantage of how far I have come with the help and support of others. Never will I neglect those who have made this opportunity possible for me, and I just want to say here and now — thank you.

written by tofu

The Hell’s Kitchen finale was on last night, and I’m pleased to exclaim that Rock won! After the first few episodes I really wanted to see this father of two win the big prize. Both finalists were well qualified for the job but it was apparent that Rock had more experience than Bonnie. At first, things didn’t seem so bright for Rock because his service was held back by one of his mates, but after moving him to a different station, food started flying out of Rock’s kitchen and his customer’s were being fed without any “send-backs.”

Overall, it was a pretty good season except for the Asian cowboy chef who broke down during every episode. I look forward to watching next season’s episodes and I’m still waiting to see how FOX’s version of Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares turns out. At least the Food network seems to be still airing episodes of the original Kitchen Nightmares. (Last night’s was the huge turnaround for a restaurant known as La Parra.)

written by tofu

Nothing in the world can take the place of perseverance.

Talent will not;
Nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent.

Genius will not;
Unrewarded genius is almost legendary.

Education will not;
The world is full of educated derelicts.

Perseverence and Determination alone are omnipotent.
The slogan ‘press on’ has solved, and always will solve, the problems of the human race.      (Calvin Coolidge)

If this quote is well-known, I am glad I never read it until a few days ago. 

There I was, nervous as can be, wringing my hands as I waited for the doors of recital hall to open.  Sadly, after fifteen years of practise and performance, I still get stage fright. Trying to distract myself before the dreadful hour long performance, I stared at the four not so blank walls.  On them were posters, paintings, a mirror…and this quote, written in storybook font, hung on a gold frame.

How I wished I spent more time practising after reading it!  In psychology, nature (biological reasons) and nurture (environmental reasons) have always been subject to debate.  Do genes contribute to giftedness more, or the environment in which the child grows up in?  But tackling the issue of giftedness/talent/abilities in such narrowed paradigm neglect a fundamental element for success- determination. 

Athletes put in hours of training…
Dancers rehearse day and night…  
Musicians practise until their neighbors complain…

Nothing worth pursuing comes easy. 

written by tlc

Lately, things have been going steady and I can’t really complain. Life has taken the turn to routines with my job and the little studying I do. It seems as though the only break in my regular routines occurs on weekends or the rare days off. It’s amazing to me how much routines play a role in our lives, and when we move away from those routines for just a moment, we are left feeling uncomfortable or uneasy (at least for the things we are tired of doing). Sometimes the subroutines of my day get interrupted with challenges or twists to my tasks, but I like how I can see how far I can push myself or my abilities. Keeps me a bit on my toes, but only through those challenges could I improve myself.

Simply put, ruptures to our daily routines are good opportunities to get out of our comfort zone to explore new things and new ways of accomplishing tasks. If we are stuck in routines day-in day-out, life becomes monotonous and tiring. For those of you who say you “have no energy during the day”, I say “mix it up!” Do something different for a change, eat somewhere different than your usual place, or take part in a new activity you always wanted to try. Nothing is better than being spontaneous to yourself as long as you know your limits and maintain your values and morals.

written by tofu